Malham Cove & Gordale Scar

Malham Cove was carved by a colossal waterfall, larger than Niagara Falls, that thundered over the cliff at the end of the last ice age as meltwater poured off the retreating glaciers. The waterfall has long since dried up, leaving the dramatic dry cliff face and the limestone pavement above as evidence of its power.

The limestone pavement is a rare and protected habitat, formed as glacial ice scraped away the soil cover and rainwater dissolved deep cracks, called grikes, into the exposed rock. Ferns and other plants sheltered in these cracks have survived here for centuries, safe from grazing animals.

Gordale Scar, nearby, formed in a similar way, a collapsed cave system now open to the sky, with a waterfall crashing down through the gap and towering overhanging cliffs on either side that have drawn artists and poets since the 18th century.

The full circular walk taking in Malham village, the cove, Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss is around 8 miles and takes most walkers four to five hours, though shorter options exist if you only want to see the cove itself. Sturdy footwear is essential, the limestone pavement especially can be treacherous when wet.

Take real care at the top of the cove, where there is open access to the cliff edge with no barrier. Keep children and dogs close and avoid the pavement entirely in icy conditions.

Malham village gets busy in summer, so arrive early or use the National Park car park rather than searching for street parking. The visitor centre has up-to-date advice on conditions and route options.